Powerful 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Kills Dozens In Mexico City

A powerful earthquake jolted Mexico City on Tuesday, causing buildings to sway sickeningly on the anniversary of a 1985 quake that did major damage to the capital.

Panicked office workers streamed into the streets as the quake toppled buildings and sent plumes of dust into the air. Early photos and videos appear to show severe damage, but the full extent is not yet clear.

Mexico's seismological agency said the epicenter was between the states of Puebla and Morelos, about 75 miles south of Mexico City.

Morelos' governor said at least 42 people were killed in his state after the quake, and at least 11 others died in Puebla state, according to Francisco Sanchez, a spokesman for the state's Interior Department. The governor of Mexico state, Alfredo del Mazo Maza, told the news outlet Televisa that at least two people — including a quarry worker who was caught in a rockslide — had been killed in his state, which borders Mexico City.

By Tuesday evening, the death toll had reached 79, and it is expected to increase.